Luther College (Decorah, Iowa)

 It is a private Institution / Non-Profit and was Founded in 1861. It is four-year, university- level, and residential institution of 2,400 students. It is one of the most outstanding nationally-ranked colleges in the American Midwest. More than 60 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree it provides.  It provides A Phi Beta Kappa chapter which is the most prestigious academic honors society found on only 10 percent of American college and university campuses—attests the academic excellence of the college. It was originally founded by Norwegian immigrants—and named for the 16th-century reformer, a Great Martin Luther—the college is affiliated with the Lutheran Church and welcomes students of all beliefs and backgrounds to its 1,000-acre (405-hectare) campus. Currently Luther welcomes nearly 150 international students (6 percent of the student population) from over 60 different countries to campus each year.  The Luther College is located in the Iowa state, Decorah a picturesque community of nearly energetic   8,500 people situated in the American heartland. Decorah is a true college town—friendly, cultured, eclectic, and safe. It’s the perfect place to spend four years.

At Luther, the liberal arts are the foundation on which students build their education. Following a tradition that dates back to the earliest universities, students broaden their knowledge of the world by studying the social and natural sciences, languages and literature, religion and philosophy, mathematics, and the fine arts. Luther students develop a breadth of knowledge through the college’s general requirements and a depth of knowledge through a chosen major. It mostly includes accounting, computer science, environmental studies business management, biology, chemistry, mathematics, nursing, physics and international studies.

Each year, hundreds of Luther students expand their worldviews—literally—through international study. Over 65 percent of students study abroad on yearlong, semester, January-term, or summer study experiences prior to graduation, ranking Luther among the top baccalaureate colleges and universities in the nation.

Life in the classroom is coupled with a very active life outside the classroom. Additionally, Students can choose to participate in one or more of over 120 different student organizations including music ensembles, athletic teams, volunteer service groups, political and advocacy associations, academic honors societies, and cultural and social groups.

In terms of athletics, over 20 percent of students participate in varsity athletics in 10 different sports for men and 9 for women. Luther athletes compete and win in one of the most competitive NCAA Division III conferences in the nation.

Each year, Luther awards a significant amount of scholarships and financial aid to international students. A typical academic award usually combines scholarships and grant money (which does not have to be repaid) with on-campus work (guaranteed to any international student who wishes to work on campus). The average amount of scholarships/financial aid awarded in 2014 was $27,000; the average work stipend for 12-13 hours of work per week was $3,000.